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Beauty

Review Vichy Bi-White Med

By Norah Salazar in Anti-Ageing, Beauty, Skincare No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Vichy BW MED Essence + Day + Night group shot Last week I had the chance to attend a session led by Vichy and it was all about their brightening range called Bi-White Med. This range is formulated to help skin that has darkness due to pigmentation, irregular texture, dryness, redness and general dull complexion. From my time living in Europe, I have always known of Vichy as a very reputable skincare from France, offering products for sensitive skin, suncare and general anti-aging all done with extensive research and using excellent ingredients.

The research and formulation was impressive for the Bio-White Med range. I had a chance to try the consistency and strength of this formula, which is good for sensitive skin types (I applied to my chin area and the creams were absorbed without a hitch). Bi-White Med is geared to the Asian skin market as a whitener (ie. Brightener for those not Asian and readers from Europe/ Americas/ Australia). Brightening the skin is huge these days, a luminous, even and plump texture is what most women desire with or without the use of makeup, skin is in!

If you are looking for a formula that’ll help your skin keep hydrated and appear brighter, this is for you. As with any skincare product, consistency and discipline is everything, this isn’t an overnight cure, you must use it for at least a month AND on a daily basis alongside a proper cleanser/ toner. Prices per product Bi-White Med Essence $82, Bi-White Med Day Cream $59, Bi-White Med Night Cream $69 (Singapore Dollars).
This as an investment in your skincare regimen I recommend, you can’t really go wrong with French pharmacie products.

**In Singapore Vichy is available at Watsons, Guardian & Unity plus there is a Vichy flag-ship at Ngee Ann City Watsons and Paragon Guardian, first in Asia.

Stress Over Holiday Shopping? Go For A Massage!

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Spa No Comments Tags: , , , , , , ,

1255004_88259036A few weeks ago, I had the worst neck pain and was completely overwhelmed with all the holiday season to-do’s plus my job is a very physical one that involves standing, bending, pressure. In an effort to sort my muscles out and have an hour of bliss, I booked a massage at AsterSpring in Centre Point.

The first order of business was to let my therapist know where I felt pain and tightness, for me it is the shoulders and lower legs. As soon as I was done with the questionnaire, I was brought into the room for my Anti Stress Body Balancing massage session. To start, I had a lovely dry brush all over to help activate the circulation followed by a warm towel to soothe pre-massage. As the therapist worked into my muscles, she used Dermalogica’s Stress Relief Oil an essential oils blend of Sandalwood, Lavender, Orange and Clary Sage, naturally-purifying extracts of Tea Tree, Lemon, and Ylang-Ylang. The feeling is very non-greasy and unlike other massage therapy spas, the effect is gentle on the skin and will leave a subtle hydration. All my point pressures were done from my ankles, legs, shoulders, wrists and plus an amazing head massage! The therapist did various kinds of massage strokes like kneading, pulling, wringing and gliding on various parts of the body, all aimed to be gentle enough, this is not a painful type of treatment. Excellent bedside manners, super clean and professional, that’s how I’d describe my massage experience at AsterSpring.

After my one hour was up, I noticed I had fallen asleep, a good sign that the massage had done wonders. A post massage consultation followed and I was adviced to drink lukewarm water and keep hydrated. This treatment is aimed to help relax, relieve muscle tension and help circulation. Thank you AsterSpring!

Bella Box Event Highlights

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Hair, Skincare No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , ,


It is hard to believe I finally attended a Bella Box event! It’s been well over a year since I subscribed and between all the work/ obligations I attend to, every chance for attendance to an event eluded me.

The Bella Box girls had a lovely T.G.I.F. early evening soiree at a trendy rooftop hotel in Tiong Bahru. The evening came with some nibbles and bubbly to showcase some amazing brands. Before I get to the beauty items I most liked, I thought it was super clever to have stations and live demos of every brand. Some I was familiar with and some were new, it was a makeup artist’s dream event including food, drink and different skincare/ makeup/ hair products.

The items which got my attention right away were Caudalie’s new range Vinosource. I tried the Vinosource S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum – what a treat. I asked for the ingredients info and my eyes lit when I saw Hyaluronic acid, Grape Water, Grape-seed Polyphenols – the ingredient in bold is a MUST if you want real results for your anti-aging skincare in a serum. This compound is present in our body but begins to dwindle as we get older. Using an Hyaluronic acid serum will help to restore moisture levels of the skin and absorb right away. Love this product.

Next was Bioderma Sensibio H20 Makeup Remover – another gem I had heard of from one of my French friends but had not tried on my own. This makeup remover requires no cleansing after so if you’d had a long night out and can’t get to a sink, Bioderma will take off all the debris without the need to rinse, waterproof and hard to remove lipstick, mascara, foundation, EVERYTHING. I liked that there were two formulas for sensitive, dry and oily skin so it is not a one size fits all makeup remover. In my goodie bag, I also found a Sensibio Eye Gel (Thank you! I will be testing this out in an upcoming long haul flight). Seeing several layers of different products being removed with one wipe using Bioderma was pretty cool! Bioderma is available at Guardian in Singapore.

Aveda needs no introduction, it is a favorite brand since a long time ago. I use the Chakra Body Spray as well as the Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener for my hair when I blow dry. The Aveda girls had me try a Blue Oil Therapy complete with a shoulder massage, the scent of mint was lovely and so calming. This was truly a wonderful mini spa experience, thanks Aveda.

Last but not least, Elizabeth Arden had a booth with makeup. Apart from the Elizabeth Arden skincare range, I had not tried any of the makeup line so this was of course, a new experience. The eyeshadows had some great autumn colors, they were buildable and pretty for a night out. I got to take home a single eyeshadow and the staff were accomodating and kind enough to show me all the colors.

My most favorite Friday night in a while! I should add Petronille was also there doing her demo, I did not sample anything as I’ve done an extensive series of reviews on her wonderful skincare range which I highly endorse. Well done Bella Box girls, thanks for all he goodies and this fun event.

Tsuya From Shu Uemura Six Week Report

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Serum, Skincare 1 Comment Tags: ,


I thought I’d update my readers on my use of Tsuya over the past six weeks, it’s been a fantastic product for my skin (no reactions, ample moisture and WITH proper habits of cleansing, toning and regular facials, yes the texture is looking nice, can’t complain on that front). What makes Tsuya very unique is its serum-like consistency and how well it absorbs into the skin after I apply it (no oily or overly greasy feeling which serums tend to leave as they act as double moisturizers). As a test, I also used on myself before a night out with full makeup and it didn’t disappoint, please note that I used very little Tsuya before makeup to avoid getting too oily in my T-area (nose and forehead).

Definitely recommend this product for those looking to amp their game in their skincare regime.

Bridal Beauty

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, bridal, Makeup 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , ,


I adore this look I created for Sofia. It is very natural looking makeup, notice I didn’t conceal her freckles and the hair accessory is one of many I keep in my ‘for bridal’ use coffer. I used a combination of Smashbox primer, Makeup Forever HD foundation 118, MAC mascara and NARS blusher and Chihuahua lipgloss.

Shot by the amazing Jay Nodalo.

Tsuya New Skincare From Shu Uemura

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Skincare 7 Comments Tags: , , , , , ,


This month of August has been very busy for me, busier than last year and certainly warmer than I remember now that I am in Singapore officially five years! Between work, a new regime of no fried food, TRX circuit training exercise, very little alcohol AND this new range of skincare from Shu Uemura called TSUYA Skin Youthful Radiance Generator, my skin is looking good. Before I get into the Tsuya review, I want to add that when you put the effort forward with diet, skincare and exercise combined, the results speak for themselves.

When I started the Tsuya skincare challenge I was very impressed with the idea of a serum that promised glow [Plus I love a good serum]. When I apply a little base whether it is foundation or even concealer, Tsuya glides on smoothly and absorbs into the skin fast without much of an oily layer, love that! At night, I have also been putting it on to let it sink into my skin and do its magic.

Some of the benefits of Tsuya include a more supple and glowy skin which are exactly the comments I have been receiving from various peers and friends. WO-HOO! ** What else did I do different? Sleep at least six hours every night. Drink fluids and include 12oz of green tea at least once a day. Less alcohol especially carbonated and cocktail drinks, doing wine very moderately, one serving a week. Sweating it out 3x a week. Taking my usual vitamins and fish oil 1000mg daily. Eating things like steamed fish, seaweed, fresh foods. No soda, sugary drinks, fizzy anything and if I treat myself to a coffee I add agave nectar, a low glycemic natural sweetener.

Before I turn this into a bore, I want my readers to know that as much as I love a proper skincare regime, how your face reacts to a good product like Tsuya is just as much as the food we put in our mouth, habits and general well-being. Give yourself a little love and you’ll see the BIG payoff.

Favorite Everyday Products

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Makeup, mascara, Moisturiser, SPF 1 Comment Tags: , , , , ,


Here is a breakdown of my favorite every day products, the kind you can’t live without (mascara and tinted moisturizer) plus eye makeup remover when I get home.

1) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (Sand) – a lightweight, reasonable coverage tinted moisturizer. This is an all day product which for the most part DOES NOT oil up or get creased. I love its texture, this blends smoothly into skin and evens out quite nicely. Perfect for Singapore weather (also great in humid and dry weather).

2) Lancome Hypnose Mascara (Black) – this was a tip from a wonderful client a few weeks back. I was at a job and this super nice client pulls Hypnose out of her makeup bag and tells me to see her lashes after three coats. SOLD. The results were lush, full bodied lashes, after a bit of brushing out excess I so impressed with the length effect, I placed my order the same evening.

Later on when it is time to remove mascara or waterproof eye products …

3) Makeup Forever Sens’Eyes (Waterproof eye makeup remover) – the best makeup remover for sensitive eyes and waterproof anything (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, gel liner). This formula will clear those pesky makeup traces and won’t leave you racoon-eyed the next morning. And it comes in a handy small bottle which travels well I might add.

My Facial Experience At AsterSpring Centres Singapore

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Skincare, Spa No Comments Tags: , , ,

The entrance of AsterSprings and the lovely staff

Having just travelled by air for more than 18 hours can cause havoc on the skin. Think the recycled air, lack of sleep, change of time zones and dehydration and being sat in middle seats most of the journey, less the ability to move and drink fluids, this was my case. It was time to sort my skin out after trying to recover from a bad case of jetlag and some unwanted hormonal breakouts. So I booked myself at AsterSpring Clementi for some much needed revamp. Before the facial, I filled out a rather extensive questionnaire plus I had my face analysed throughly. Some of the questions were as specific to my eating habits in regards to caffeine and alcohol. As I am familiar with the effects of certain foods and drinks on the skin when people come in for makeup, I was aware and understood the reasoning behind the questions. The therapist was trying to offer me the best suited facial for the needs of my skin as we talked about my answers. So, what were my needs and concerns? It is no suprise, I was dehydrated, have minor pigmentation and at the time had quite a bit of breakouts in the lower chin and around my mouth. Another super interesting fact was the spot positions, better explained to me in the Traditional Chinese Medicine method. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the spots on your face do not pop up randomly. The positioning of breakouts in the face is meaningful because in TCM different areas of the face relate to certain organs. The face is like a mirror of the body and mind (much like in Reflexology). My areas of TCM correlation are all in the lower intestine, colon and kidneys. I was in fact showing signs of dry skin and in need of a face detox, which is also how I felt on the inside. What I had done is called Face Mapping a procedure which divides the face into fourteen distinct zones and provides an objective view of the skin’s condition.

My therapist recommended I had an Intense Dermal Clear Facial a treatment that lasts about 80 minutes. For this treatment, a medical-grade facial machine is used (without any down time) and it involves ultrasound waves and high-impulse modes, combined with oxygen serum to stimulate skin cells. The Intense Dermal Clear Facial helps brighten the complexion and improve skin texture for glowing results. We started with deep cleansing followed by a lot of steam. I was also made aware that major extractions were necessary to clear all my blemishes out. At the end of the treatment I was given a double cooling multivitamin masque and an oxygen serum to further nourish my face after the extractions. I also had a lovely post pressure point head/ shoulder massage. During the session, I dozed off nicely and had a super relaxing time. My face for the next few days was a bit beaten, and I knew this was the course. A week later I was clear and glowing, as you will see through my before and after pictures. All the products used were Dermalogica and as I am a faithful follower of this fabulous skincare brand, I know it is good. Astersprings Centres are located islandwide in Singapore and this makeup pro highly endorses their service and facility!

(Left) before the facial, blemishes around the chin area, SO relaxed after the facial photo in the upper corner and lower corner photo is a week later, with makeup on and a super clear complexion. None of these photos are retouched!

Ageless Beauty

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Makeup No Comments Tags: , , ,


I wanted to share some images from Illamasqua and their upcoming AW12 collection – Generation Q. The notion that makeup (and beauty) has an age limit is definitely something I do not relate to and a message I feel British brand Illamasqua delivers beautifully. Age does not define who we are on the inside or the outside. Age is not a number.


(The magic that is makeup artist Alex Box on the right – she is one of my many inspirations)

In typical Illamasqua style, they have created a message that no other brand has done. The new Generation Q campaign will go against the industry’s unspoken and despicable taboo, by featuring older models as well as young. Brilliant! More brands neeed to embrace this idea. And to take it a step further, the campaign features real women, not your typical agency models.

My Trip To The Chicago Makeup Show

By Norah Salazar in Beauty, Makeup, Skincare 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


James Vincent at the Beauty Blogger Event on Saturday

For those who follow me on Twitter and Facebook, you know I’d been talking about the Makeup Show Chicago for months in advance. To say I was midly excited and eagerly waiting, an understatement! By the time June rolled on, I had already received an invite to the exclusive Beauty Blogger event on the 16th and was looking forward to meeting up with fellow Latina Lifestyle Blogger, Big Time Beauty aka Ashley Pena, a Chicago native, bridal makeup artist and blogger like me. Thanks to Ashley, I had been in contact with the Makeup Show PR team. Through my social media and Facebook reach I knew the makeup/ vendors that would be attending. I planned ahead and did my homework.

The Beauty Blogger event was held at Venue One on West Randolph St on Saturday afternoon of June 16th. I arrived just as James Vincent was starting to speak, (He is the Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine AS WELL as a very accomplished makeup artist and body painter). As I took my chair, a huge canvas bag with goodies was set for me, as well as a very diverse of group of women in the room – good company! James Vincent talked about the products inside our bags as well as the opportunities in our hands not only as industry professionals but as beauty insiders. He was funny, quirky, inspiring, someone I’d definitely bond over many subjects not just makeup. I was struck by how fondly he spoke of his peers as well as his own assistant Bethany Townes, so refreshingly sweet. After the event, Ashley and I went over to have some deep dish pizza and chat. While we were eating, we decided to stop over at Ulta’s Chicago flagship store and walked some miles to work off the lunch. Perfect day.

Makeup Show Day 1 – Had a bit of a late start at noon so I knew I had a lot of catching up to do. When I walked in, I was very overwhelmed. There were A LOT of people at the show. The lines were long, there were booths like Obssessive Compulsive Cosmetics and Makeup Forever which were literally mobbed, impossible to even get a glimpse or swatch product. It took some patience to get through the places I wanted to definitely shop at, a lot of walking and stopping. Before the show I had a very good idea of what I needed and this helped tremendously. In spite of the craziness, people working all booths were super friendly, patient, helpful, this also includes people working as security and the Makeup Show staff themselves. Having attended Beauty Asia before, this was a totally different experience for me. Ashley had already been at the show earlier than me this day and she kindly guided me through the two levels of makeup/ hair heaven. I made some purchases, had a few booths I still needed to see and would sleep on a few other things for the next day.

Makeup Show Day 2 – For my last day at the show, I had a full night to rest and think strategically on what I needed and the workshops I most wanted to attend (airbrush and using cream pigments). My first stop was Obssessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Being the proud owner of a few lip tars, OCC’s iconic product I knew I wanted to try more colors and test out the concealers which James Vincent had talked about at the bloggers event. As soon as I got to the OCC booth, I was able to chat with the creator/ owner David Klasfeld, what a lovely man! David walked me through the ingredients (all cruelty-free and vegan), and I had the opportunity to swatch/ test/ try on myself all the colors and pigments I felt would most benefit my kit. After OCC, I stopped at Alcone, Embryolisse, Graftobian, Crown Brushes, T3 Micro, NARS, Smashbox, AJ Crimson makeup, Stila, Kevyn Aucoin, Temptu, Dante Disposable Products, Makeup Forever, Frends Beauty Supply, The Powder Group, Bloom.com. Midway through the show, I had a super nice surprise from the wonderful people at Skindinavia, they contacted me via Twitter and we had a chance to meet face to face! Thank you for the kind gift, things like this mean the world to me. The people at Crown brushes, Embryolisse USA, Smashbox, NARS, Frends Beauty Supply and Nigel’s Beauty Emporium, Makeup Forever were most helpful and extended their pro discount and full of advice.

On the earlier part of the day, I watched the amazing things one can do with a MUFE flash palette as pro-educator Brittany James used only this product to do a full face, the speed and understanding of color was insane. Later, I attended Cory Bishop’s Color Theory workshop to a packed house. He was fabulous and re-affirmed my love for color and beauty, Brittany was also really good during her workshop. After Cory’s talk, I spent quite a bit of time drooling over the Temptu Airbrush machines, [this will be my next big purchase]. I did end up getting a correcting palette from Temptu.

The Makeup Show Chicago was my happiest place on earth. I am eternally grateful to not only the Makeup Show people but the vendors, artists, Ashley Pena and my husband for being so generous and sweet. If you are an artist and beauty professional, the Makeup Show is a must!


My beauty loot

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